Actor. Raised by his mother, Collins divided his time as a child traveling between California and Nevada. Educated at Santa Monica College where he studied Accounting, Collins developed an interest in acting and experienced his initial exposure as a performer while he served with the United States Army, as he participated in both staged shows and on Armed Forces Radio. He broke into the industry as an understudy for Paul Roebling in the Broadway play "The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here" (1963), followed by what was to become a very busy career in both TV series and TV movies. A featured role as Lieutenant Richard 'Rip' Ripley in the program "The Wackiest Ship in the Army" (1965 to 1966) was followed by "Iron Horse" (1966 to 1968) as Dave Tarrant. He had a starring part as Dr. Michael Rhodes in the series "The Sixth Sense" (1972). Collins may perhaps be best remembered as the host of the "Miss America Pageant", in addition to "Hour Magazine" (1980 to 1988, which he earned an Emmy Award in 1984) and "The Home Show" (1989 to 1994). He was married to former Miss America-turned-actress Mary Ann Mobley. (bio by: C.S.)